Beyond the Joystick

New controllers are coming out that require more activity from
the user than the familiar joysticks. The Washington Post reports
on a few of the new devices. One of them, the EyeToy from Sony
Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) turns the human body
into the controller. Gamers appear on-screen moving as they move
their body. Gamers can participate in Quidditch matches or face
NHL players in upcoming games made for the EyeToy. Other new
controller-like devices include the Wild Divine, which monitors
heart rate and perspiration to biofeedback finger sensors.
Games likes SOCOM II: U.S. Navy Seals and Lifeline
from Japanese game maker Kanomi use voice-command and voice-recognition
software to make the game more realistic. These devices are just
another step towards more realistic game play. Richard Marks,
SCEA's manager of research and development, told the Post,
that he envisions the day when his son can simply say "Spider-man"
and his son will "suddenly appear in the video game wearing a
Spider-man costume."